A mentor is defined as a trusted counselor or guide, an apt description of Sharon Brown-Welty, who is commended by her students as someone who goes the extra mile for them. Her efforts brought her the 2003 Provost’s Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Award.  She also is known for her tireless work as the CSU Director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (JDPEL) and adviser to students seeking the Ed.D. “Working with students in designing and conducting research is one of the most rewarding things I do,” says Brown-Welty. “There is much emotion and joy in watching students and graduates undertake a research project about which they may question their abilities to complete, and watching them turn into confident experts at the end of the research project. It brings tears to my eyes every single time!” Brown-Welty’s high regard for research led to the creation of the Central Valley Education Research Consortium, which brings JDPEL graduates back together to continue research in education and disseminate their findings. The consortium produced three studies on successful methods to improve schools and student achievement, and is now studying effective teaching practices in high schools. Brown-Welty and colleague Phyllis Kuehn created the Center for Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Dissemination. It provides students with assistance in research design and statistical analysis and has obtained numerous contracts to work with Program Improvement schools and school districts. “Working with these schools and districts is where the research meets the road,” says Brown-Welty.